Library and Community Services Commission

200 Lincoln Ave., Salinas, City of Salinas CA 93901 www.cityofsalinas.org Meeting Minutes - Final Library and Community Services Commission Commission Members: Albert Fong, Mayor's Appointee Lizbeth Camacho, District 1 - Victor Tafoya, District 2 Joey Martinez, District 3 - VACANT, District 4 Nancy Gutierrez, District 5 - Beatriz S. Chaidez, District 6 Jim Pia, Interim City Manager Kristan Lundquist, Library and Community Services Director City Clerk's Office: (831) 758-7381 Wednesday, March 13, 2024 6:00 PM City Council Rotunda PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Commissioner Gutierrez Garcia called the meeting to order at 6:01 P.M. ROLL CALL Present: 4- Commissioner Joey Martinez Commissioner Victor Tafoya Commissioner Nancy Gutierrez Albert Fong Absent: 2- Commissioner Beatriz Chaidez Commissioner Lizbeth Camacho PUBLIC COMMENT TIME RESTRICTIONS GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS Eloise Shim made a recommendation that the library purchase a membership to Ancestry.com to support local patrons in their genealogical research. CONSENT ID#24-133 Minutes Upon motion by Commissioner Fong, seconded by Commissioner De La Rosa, the minutes of February 14, 2024 were continued to April 10, 2024. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: 3- Commissioner Tafoya, Commissioner Gutierrez and Fong Absent: 2- Commissioner Chaidez and Commissioner Camacho Abstain: 2- Commissioner Martinez and De La Rosa CONSIDERATION City of Salinas Page 1 Library and Community Services Meeting Minutes - Final March 13, 2024 Commission ID#24-134 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF SALINAS AND THE BIG SUR LAND TRUST FOR THE CARR LAKE PARK PROJECT Director Lundquist introduced the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The 73-acre property has been purchased by Big Sur Land Trust (BSLT) and will be developed for final transfer to the City by 2026. Development will include 6-acre park construction and a 67-acre restoration area. The MOU memorializes planning, ownership, and long-term management of Carr Lake Park. After completion of the transfer, the City will open park in a timely manner and assume responsibility for all traditional park operations and management activities. BSLT will be responsible for vegetation and habitat management associated with the restoration, implement an adaptive management plan and handle all monitoring and reporting as required under grant agreements and regulatory permits. Two private homes on the property are expected to transfer to City ownership. Commissioners asked if any part of the project plan included art installations, an amphitheater or meeting space, or a nature center. Commissioners also asked for an explanation of the naming process, management of the natural habitat, and how park would be managed by City with existing staffing and budget constraints. Rachel Saunders, BSLT Director of Conservation responded to commissioners’ questions. BSLT is working with a local artist to develop interpretive signage that honors the legacy of local indigenous people and Japanese Americans as historic stewards of the land. Saunders reported that community interest in a nature center was insufficient to develop as part of the overall park plan. Saunders reported that the selection of Ensen Community Park to replace Carr Lake was a committee-driven effort that included community meetings and online surveys. Saunders reaffirmed that BSLT would assist the City with reestablishing the natural habitat. Director Lundquist reported that efforts to establish a “Friends” group to support habitat management and park stewardship were ongoing. Public comments were collected from six individuals: Maria Elena Graciela Vega Maria Luisa Hernandez Noel Diaz Evelyn Tapia Veronica Leon Public comments were favorable and referenced the potential for this park to serve the physical and mental health of the local community. Commenters also mentioned the benefit this park will provide as open space for safe, passive recreation for youth. Commenters expressed appreciation for the City, BSLT, and Center for Community Advocacy (CCA) for their diligence and commitment to community development. Upon motion by Commissioner Tafoya, seconded by Commissioner De La Rosa, the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Salinas and the Big Sur Land Trust for the Carr Lake Park Project was received and accepted. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: 5- Commissioner Martinez, Commissioner Tafoya, Commissioner Gutierrez, De La Rosa and Fong City of Salinas Page 2 Library and Community Services Meeting Minutes - Final March 13, 2024 Commission Absent: 2- Commissioner Chaidez and Commissioner Camacho COMMISSIONER REPORTS Commissioner Tafoya reported that he was the recipient of a Neighborhood Beautification Grant to establish low maintenance and sustainable landscape in his district. Commissioner Tafoya reported that he is a strong supporter of the Library and a member of California Library Association (CLA). Commissioner De La Rosa announced an upcoming event at Hebbron Heights and encouraged all to attend. Commissioner De La Rosa also referenced recent events at the Library with emphasis on the return of Community Education Manager Ernesto Lizaola. Commissioner Martinez reported that he recently visited the John Steinbeck Library and was pleased with layout changes that offered teens a place of their own and brough adult computers into a more central location. Commissioner Martinez also mentioned his appreciation for Community Education Manager Ernesto Lizaola. Commissioner Martinez made a special note of a recommendation by Library Clerk Adonis Diaz to reinstate First Fridays at the Library. Commissioner Fong announced the 15th Annual Asian Food Festival hosted by Asian Cultural Experience (ACE) and AAPI festival hosted by Salinas High School on May 17, 2024. Commissioner Gutierrez Garcia reported her appreciation for the Parks and Recreation departments’ commitment to maintaining clean parks. Commissioner Gutierrez Garcia also mentioned her appreciation for the Library, specifically its youth programming and lack of fees for late-returned materials. Commissioner De La Rosa announced that this will be her last Commission meeting and Councilman Orsonio will soon be appointing a new member. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Director Lundquist reported that many large projects are progressing for Library and Community Services departments and that City Council recently approved the design-build plan for Hebbron Heights and contracts would soon be signed. ADJOURNMENT Chair Commissioner Gutierrez Garcia adjourned the meeting at 7:10 P.M. __________________________________ Devon McCauley, Administrative Secretary AGENDA MATERIAL / ADDENDUM PUBLIC NOTIFICATION City of Salinas Page 3